CoMn catalysts derived from partial decomposed layered CoMn-MOF materials for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas

Direct and selective conversion of syngas to higher alcohols (C2+OH, HA) is highly attractive but remains challenges in improving the high catalytic performance. Herein, a series of catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposing layered-structured CoMn-MOF materials and used in the HA synthesis. Characterization results showed that the MOF framework could partially maintain after calcination at 350 degrees C under N2 flow, in which the Co2+ species can provide extra non-dissociative adsorption CO sties, leading to an improved alcohol selectivity. And the addition of manganese could promote the cobalt dispersion and Co2C formation. The synergistic catalysis of these active species allowed the optimal CoMn-350 catalyst to display a superior selectivity to HA, specifically the alcohol selectivity reached 57.5% and the distribution of C2+OH in total alcohols was up to 82.4 % when the CO conversion was 51.5%. The catalyst with remaining MOF frame-work also showed an excellent stability during 250 h reaction. This work highlights a feasible strategy for the design of highly efficient catalysts for HA synthesis via the partial decomposing MOF materials.

Automated summary

A series of catalysts prepared by thermal decomposing CoMn-MOF materials were used for the synthesis of higher alcohols (HA) from syngas. The catalyst with a remaining MOF framework exhibited excellent stability and displayed a superior selectivity to HA, with an alcohol selectivity of 57.5% and a distribution of C2+OH in total alcohols up to 82.4% at a CO conversion of 51.5%. This study highlights a feasible strategy for designing highly efficient catalysts for HA synthesis via partial decomposing MOF materials.